free school meals if i get housing benefit??

nextyeartina

hi

i've recently split from my husband. i've phoned tax credits & done a benefit calculation for rent & ct. it appears i will get half my rent paid. i'm keeping my job as it's only 16 hours per week. does anybody know if i get housing benefit am i entitled to free school meals too??

tina x

Becles

No - if you are working and claiming working tax credits, you are not entitled to claim free school dinners. I've been there and it does seem unfair, especially if you are not earning very much and struggling to get by.

In County Durham they are running a pilot scheme for two years starting this September where all primary school children will be entitled to a free school dinner. I've signed my middle one up for it as he usually takes a packed lunch. It might be worth checking to see if your local authority is planning on running anything similar.